Hi friends! We are still here on the west coast, spending this next week in LA and ending with a wedding, which Dina is actually officiating this coming Friday. Our trip so far has been incredible, and the babymoon portion of our adventure was outstanding. Palm Springs will forever be a special place, filled with so much love and light. I have tons of pics to share which I’ll be rounding up in the coming weeks, but in the meantime I shared a bunch over on Instagram.

This week Dina will be spending her time in the Google office, and I’ll be working remotely while exploring a bit too. We rented an airbnb in Venice and it’s the perfect little beach bungalow that we couldn’t be happier about. It’s certainly tickling our temptations to move west. In the spirit of keeping up with my Style The Bump series, I am 26 weeks today and have been living up to my expectations of wearing dresses only since landing in California. This one in particular is from ZARA (non-maternity), and while extremely comfortable and able to adjust to my growing belly, it’s also super sexy and will work post-bump too. Oh, and it’s $39.90. Note to self: buy more like this!

I have no idea where i am going in this outfit but I hope it’s somewhere fabulous, and hope that time is sometime soon. I’ve been obsessed with it since the try on session and instagram snap over a month ago. Spring is a buzzing here in NYC and as far as seasonal trends go, metallic is high up on the list of must-haves. Who says sparkle is just for the holiday season? Rules are made to be broken, clearly. The best part about this ensemble is not the mere fact that I was able to find a coordinated top and bottom in the coveted silver metallic color. It’s that both of these pieces from H&M, together were $65!!! I swear this may be the best investment I’ve ever made. I appreciate a luxury item no less then the next person, but when finding exactly what I want for a steal – you can sign me right up, STAT! The weather is warming here in NYC and this head-to-toe look is begging for a night out, along with other metallics I found on the interweb like this rose gold option from Topshop, an effortless high-low maxi dress from Alice & Olivia, this wear-with-everything cami by Parker, and this green (be still my heart) cropped, embroidered beaut from Zara.

It’s not uncommon to find a clothing item you love, but veto purchasing it because you’re stumped on what to wear it with. We tend to get stuck inside our style boxes, making it impossible to envision anything outside of them. And then we wind up wearing the black version, envious of the person who had the courage to take a chance on the leopard print. Playing it safe can land you in a fashion funk, wondering why there is no excitement in your wardrobe. And most of the time, the riskier version works just as well as the basic. I recommend adding a few less predictable items to your closet for days when you want to embrace your daring side. This River Island sweatshirt can be found in solid colors anywhere and it’d probably get way more mileage if you went that route, but today why not give the animal print a-go. Sometimes we all need to take a walk on the wild side. Happy Monday! xx

Have an item that you’re confused on how to wear? Send it my way at yoursoulstyle@gmail.com so I can feature a style post that will help you out!

I was debating a “no-shop february” challenge with intentions of inviting you to participate because I always like to check myself when behaviors become perpetual – even if they are benign. Taking a break from something you love puts things into perspective and raises awareness to your relationship with that habit. However while thinking it through (and virtual window shopping in the meantime), I’ve decided to hold off. Spring product is trickling in and I was already wait-listed for two of my “must-have” finds! In hindsight I should have proposed this challenge for January, right after the holiday shopping binge. Lesson learned! So instead of “no shop february”, it’s turned into, “get ‘em while their hot”. Although shelved for today, we’ll explore this challenge later. For now, here’s what’s topping my spring list. Happy, happy Monday! xx jenny

In the spirit of taking more style risks in 2014 like said here, I’ve been embracing my sportier side. I found these converse star player leather sneakers while researching for a client, and like any typical shopping-obsessed stylist, bought one pair for the photoshoot and one pair for myself. Lately instead of grabbing booties, I’ve been inserting these high tops into my look and welcoming the fresh change. And you can’t beat the comfort if you’re an urbanite whose feet are a means of transportation. While sneakers have been a streetstyle fashion choice for decades, mine have mostly been reserved for exercise. Until now. This year I’m upping my shoe game and plan on being a really good sport about it! How will you step outside of your style comfort zone in 2014? Would love to hear your stories! xx jenny